The discovery of over 270 extrasolar planets, combined with spacecraft missions to explore the outer solar system, likewise is beginning to establish the rare planetary system doctrine. In July 2007, … more

Astronomers have discovered over 250 planets outside of our solar system residing in over 200 different planetary systems. However, all of these extrasolar planets exhibit characteristics that would … more

Prevailing theory for the formation of planetsmaintains that they form when dust particles in the disk of material rotating around a central star begin to stick together in clumps (just like the dust … more

If the planet rotates too slowly, the temperature differences between day and night will become too extreme. If the planet rotates too quickly, the jet streams will become too laminar and too stable, … more

As more evidence is gathered, does this evidence support the theory (requiring only minor modifications), or does the evidence undermine key elements of the theory such that it is best abandoned … more

A recent study by an MIT astronomer of a distantly orbiting companion to the nearby planet-hosting star HD 3651 illustrates the problems a distant relative can pose for any possible life-supportable … more

So what prompted the abundance of media coverage regarding a planet discovery announced at the end of April 2007? According to scientists, this was the first potentially habitable planet. For the … more

Mountain climbers know the dangers of traversing the snow line. Conditions change dramatically, and life becomes difficult. However, a greater danger lies far beyond high mountaintops; in fact, way … more